About Gresham’s School

Gresham’s was founded in 1555 by Sir John Gresham, who converted Holt’s Manor House into a Free Grammar School as a result of Henry VIII’s suppression of the Monasteries. This regime had abolished the only local school at St Mary’s Priory in Beeston Regis, leaving local children without access to education. Sir John went on to become Lord Mayor of London and forged close ties with the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, leaving the School in their care upon his death; strong links with the City of London remain to this day.

The School remained in the heart of Holt for 350 years, surviving the Great Fire of 1708 which destroyed most of medieval Holt. The building was extensively enlarged and refurbished in Victorian times, and still exists today renamed ‘Old School House’ and currently serving as home to our Pre-Prep School.

Encouraging independent thought and creativity

At the turn of the twentieth century, Gresham’s was re-founded under the direction of new and innovative headmaster George Howson. Under Howson, the School moved to the existing site on the edge of Holt and adopted a progressive curriculum which embraced the Sciences, encouraging independent thought and creativity amongst its pupils.

Gresham’s expanded considerably over the twentieth century, yet it retains the warm community atmosphere which has become central to our ethos over the years. We continue to embrace new technologies and follow a modern approach to education, with the construction of facilities such as the Auden Theatre, the Cairns Centre and the Butterwick Centre in recent years. We remain committed to offering a high standard of education and promoting personal growth, shaping generations of confident and enquiring young people.

A unique location

Situated in rural Norfolk, we are located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, only four miles from the stunning North Norfolk coastline and near to scenic beaches at Holkham, Blakeney and Wells. Pupils enjoy the advantages of living and studying close to this beautiful landscape with opportunities to visit local beaches and sites of historical and scientific interest such as Binham Priory, Castle Rising and Blakeney Point.

Gresham’s is set in the thriving market town of Holt. The Senior School and Prep School currently occupy an attractive and spacious site on the edge of Holt, a short walk from the shops and amenities in the town centre, while the Pre-Prep School inhabits a historic building located in the heart of Holt.